How CJ Abrams would fit into the Blue Jays’ lineup and infield plans

In 2022, CJ Abrams was included in a trade pacakge that sent him to the Washington Nationals in exchange for Juan Soto. Four seasons later, Abrams could find himself on the move again. Jon Heyman reported last offseason Abrams was available for trade, and is expecting to be on the trade market again.

After winning the World Series in 2019, declining health, franchise players going elsewhere, and poor player development have the Nationals stuck in a long rebuild. They have failed to finish above .500 in a season since.

According to MLB Trade Rumors, Abrams is projected to earn $10.2 million in his third year of arbitration. While that price tag is not cost-prohibitive for his production, if the Nationals do not see themselves as contenders any time soon, then moving him would be the next step.

CJ Abrams would provide a huge boost to the Blue Jays lineup

Why he would be a fit

Since Abrams became a National, he has improved as a hitter. His wRC+ has climbed each season and he posted a career best 124 wRC+ in 2026. He also slashed .261/.336/.497 with career-highs in home runs (33), RBI (106), and runs scored (93) this past year.

Abrams patience at the dish was also more evident this past season. His 51.3% swing rate was the lowest of his career and it resulted in a career-best 8.7% walk rate.

Abrams' success was driven by an increased emphasis on pulling the ball in the air more. His career-best 25.3% pull air rate ranked 44th among qualified hitters, ahead of notable hitters like Yordan Alvarez (24.6%), and Ketel Marte (23.5%). Abrams would fit well in the AL East as all the ballparks have shorter right-field distances than Nationals Park and that bodes well for his pulled fly balls.

Abrams' speed would help address the Blue Jays' lack of base stealing. The Blue Jays ranked 27th in stolen bases (75), and with Abrams' speed, he would be a viable threat on the base paths.

Potential concerns

While the surface stats were good for Abrams, there are some areas of concern. After dropping his chase rate to 32.5% last season, it went back up to 36.9% this season. Abrams has a propensity to chase, and given how much the Blue Jays struggled in that aspect, it would be something to keep an eye out for.

Despite the career year, a recurring problem throughout his career has been weak second halves. Outside of 2023, Abrams usually becomes a below average hitter in the second half. In 2026, he managed to still be an above average hitter in the second half, posting a 112 wRC+, although it was still a significant step back from the 132 wRC+ he put up in the first half.

Defensively, Abrams has been a well-below average defender at second. His struggles at shortstop necessitated a move to second base. For the Blue Jays, that would not be an issue as Abrams would replace Ernie Clement at second with three-time Gold Glove winner Andrés Giménez at shortstop.

What would an offer look like?

When looking at the Nationals, pitching has been a major weakness for them. The Nationals ranked 26th in ERA (4.68) and WHIP (1.39) as they got no significant production outside of Cade Cavalli (3.9 WAR) and Andrew Alvarez (2.5 WAR). Down on the farm, they have flamethrowers in Travis Sykora and Jarlin Susana though both of them have respective concerns.

Abrams' 3.7 fWAR in 2026 ranked 41st in MLB and given that he is still young and controllable for two more seasons, it would cost a significant prospect for his services.

For the Blue Jays, they would have to start the offer with either Nolan Perry or Johnny King. The Blue Jays would have to add another prospect or two to complete the deal. Danny Thompson Jr. had a good first professional season that should have him jumping up the organizational list. They could offer a prospect that was in the DSL as a lottery ticket final piece.

It's not out of the question for the Blue Jays to come to the table with an offer the Nationals would be intrigued by this winter.

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